The Olympic Games are a celebration of unity. As the five rings on the flag symbolize, it is a time when nations and States come together as one. It is this unity that embodies the Olympic Spirit. The Olympic spirit shines not just through the host country, but through each individual athlete. This spirit breeds hope of a better tomorrow. The slogan of 2008, "One World, One Dream", recognizes these aspirations. China carefully picked this slogan to encompass the world's wishes to strive for better humanity. They hoped, through the games, the world could seek peace for all mankind. We share the same hope. As athletes who believe in the Olympic dream of the world uniting in competition and brotherhood we call for a celebration of the Olympic spirit, not a boycott.

The 2008 Olympic Games are an opportunity which allows for an open dialogue between states. Asking for a boycott would only close this dialogue. Instead we will take this time to become educated on the genocide in Darfur and we will speak up for those who have no voice. Our participation in the Olympic Games gives us the opportunity to succeed in our sport, and in doing so, we give the people of Darfur a platform far more powerful than if we were to not compete.

Each athlete follows the Olympic Oath; which reads, "In the name of all the competitors I promise that we shall take part in these Olympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them, ..., in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honour of our teams." This Olympic Oath applies not only to the Olympics but to the values that guide our lives. As world citizens, we commit ourselves to be united in the true spirit of sportsmanship. We shall be fair, respect each other, and be gracious in our triumphs and defeats; working for the glory and honor of our nations. As world citizens, we commit ourselves to stand up for what we believe and to create an open dialogue to help bring an end to the atrocities in Darfur.